Thanksgiving always arrives with its own sense of magic, but there’s something especially nostalgic about the week leading up to the holiday. The air feels different, the days feel shorter, and families across the country start prepping their traditions — some heading to the airport, some pulling out recipes scribbled on old index cards, and millions gearing up for one of the most beloved American rituals: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. No matter how much has changed in the world, the parade remains a touchstone for generations, a moment of collective celebration that signals the official beginning of the holiday season.
This year marks the 99th edition of the iconic parade, a remarkable milestone for an event that started in 1924 as a small promotion designed to draw crowds to Macy’s flagship store. What began as a charming procession with floats, zoo animals and employees marching through the streets has grown into one of the largest and most-watched parades in the world. Except for the three years it was paused during World War II — 1942, 1943 and 1944 — the parade has continued uninterrupted, surviving decades of change, challenges, and cultural shifts. Its ability to adapt while preserving its heart is a big part of why it remains so treasured.
And this year’s parade has already sparked a wave of curiosity and excitement, particularly around whether a familiar face would return. Many viewers have spent the past few weeks wondering if Hoda Kotb, who stepped away from her “Today” show co-anchor role in January after nearly two decades, would still host the parade. Her calm warmth, laughter and genuine enthusiasm have made her a holiday fixture for millions of households, so it’s no surprise fans were eager to know if she’d be back.
Fortunately, the answer is a joyful yes. NBC confirmed that Hoda Kotb will indeed reunite with Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker to host this year’s event. The trio even came together earlier in the week for a read-through session on Nov. 21, offering a glimpse of the chemistry and camaraderie that viewers have missed. It’s a reunion that feels both comforting and celebratory, especially as the parade approaches its centennial. Their voices — familiar, friendly, and full of holiday spirit — help set the tone for the morning, making viewers feel as if they’re watching alongside old friends.
Beyond the excitement over the hosting lineup, the parade itself promises to be an enormous spectacle. The 2025 roster is packed with the kind of large-scale creativity and wonder that has come to define the event. This year’s production will feature 32 massive balloons floating above the streets of Manhattan, including new characters and returning crowd favorites. Three balloonicles — unique hybrids of balloons and vehicles — will appear as well, alongside 27 elaborately designed floats, plenty of which are crafted to look like moving pieces of fantasy worlds. The parade will also include four specialty units, 33 clown groups painted in bright colors and big smiles, 11 marching bands bringing energy and rhythm from across the country, and several performing arts groups whose presence adds theatrical flair. All of this leads up to the moment every child (and many adults) waits for: Santa Claus’ grand arrival at Herald Square, officially ushering in the holiday season.
The parade route remains consistent, beginning on Manhattan’s Upper West Side before traveling south toward Macy’s flagship store, where the streets are lined with enthusiastic spectators. The combination of skyscrapers, floats, oversized characters, confetti and cheering crowds turns New York City into a living postcard of celebration. Even for those who have never attended in person, the sight is instantly recognizable and deeply tied to Thanksgiving memories, whether those memories involve gathering in pajamas around the TV or watching while preparing a turkey.
For those not braving the chilly Manhattan streets, NBC will broadcast the parade live beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 27, with coverage lasting until noon. Unlike previous years, this start time is consistent across all time zones, making it easier for families nationwide to tune in at the same moment. An encore presentation will also air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT, offering another chance to catch the highlights or rewatch favorite moments.
Streaming viewers haven’t been left out of the experience either. Peacock will once again offer the parade livestream, but this year introduces an expanded Multiview feature designed to give audiences an even more immersive perspective. There are three viewing styles available: a traditional broadcast that includes commentary, performances and behind-the-scenes moments; a Float View that places viewers on the beloved Tom the Turkey float as it makes its way through Manhattan; and a High-Rise View capturing the parade from above for a sweeping, cinematic perspective. These additions offer viewers a refreshing sense of presence, almost like attending the parade from multiple vantage points without leaving home.
Inclusivity remains a focal point as well. In an effort to ensure that blind and visually impaired viewers can enjoy the parade fully, Macy’s announced that the entire NBC broadcast will feature real-time audio description through the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) channel. This narration, provided by Descriptive Video Works, will describe visual details — from costume designs to balloon appearances — making the event more accessible and welcoming to everyone. It’s a meaningful step forward, reflecting the broader commitment to representation and inclusivity that has become increasingly important in modern broadcasting.
Of course, no parade is complete without its musical moments, and this year’s opening performance is set to be especially memorable. Tony Award-winning star Cynthia Erivo, best known for her breathtaking role in “Wicked,” will kick off the morning with a special number. Her performance comes just one week after the release of the musical sequel “Wicked: For Good,” one of the most anticipated film releases of the year. Her presence adds a touch of theatrical prestige and a burst of star power, setting the tone for a parade filled with artistry, music and joy.
There’s something uniquely comforting about the way the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade bridges past and present. For nearly a century, it has served as a ritual that families across the country can count on — a moment of shared wonder before the business of cooking, eating, gathering and celebrating begins. It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime viewer who remembers watching the parade on a box TV set or someone experiencing it with fresh eyes; the event has a universal ability to inspire excitement and nostalgia simultaneously.
And perhaps that’s why this year feels especially meaningful. With the return of Hoda Kotb, the continuation of beloved traditions, and the introduction of new features, the parade is poised to deliver not just entertainment but a sense of connection at a time of year when people need it most. It’s a reminder of the joy in gathering — whether in person, at home, or through a screen — and the beauty of rituals that endure.
As Thanksgiving Day draws near, the anticipation continues to build. Families will be setting alarms, children will be running to the living room as soon as the TV flickers on, and millions will once again watch as balloons, floats and performers fill the streets of Manhattan. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains an American tradition not just because of its scale, but because of its heart — a heart that beats stronger every year as generations continue to make it part of their holiday story.
And with Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker back at the helm, it seems that this Thanksgiving morning will feel exactly the way it should: warm, familiar, joyful and full of magic. The countdown has begun, and soon, the holiday season will officially be here — brought to life by the parade that has been welcoming it for almost 100 years.